On February 3rd, Walker students attended the 21st Annual Torch Invitational on the Jasper and Sumiton Bevill State campuses. Students competed in twenty-six different categories ranging from American Literature to Machine Tool Technology to Health Occupations. This was a great opportunity for students to compete with other area schools and win scholarship money. Overall, Walker High School had twenty-four students place in their competitions.

We would like to thank Bevill State, LaToya Crosby, Jana Kennedy, and any others who played a major role in pulling together this event. The students would also like to thank assistant principal, Gayle Crump, for all the hard work she puts in to allow us to compete! Also, a thank you to our Walker High teachers for preparing us so we can succeed!!

“We are a blessed group to have this bigger space to rehearse our show in” said 4th year member and senior TJ Breeding from the mixed show group known as Encore.

In the new school, the all-girl group Diamonds and Encore have plenty of space now to do choreography full out with mirrors and not have to worry about hitting the person next to them.

4th year Encore member Morgan Harrison stated, “The mirrors are one of my favorite parts along with the panels on the walls that enhance our sound.” Encore co-president Cole Manasco agreed saying “The acoustics are so much better here.”

Fellow Encore co-president Katherine Sherer also gave choir director Mr. Garret Lindsey praise, “He’s brought a small town choir into a top of the class show choir (while still looking cute).” 1st year Diamonds member Kimberly Teer said “Mr. Lindsey is a great director. He’s taught me so much this year and I’m thankful for him. He helps make this group a family.”

Some of the choir members focus on the advanced technology they now have. Freshman Jack Bryan said, “The technology here for the choir is fantastic. Mr. Lindsey now has a mic he can use so he doesn’t have to yell. It’s also very nice to have the built in sound system.”

The choir members also love how the room looks. Italian exchange student Chiara Scirocco told us “The colors used just bring the room to life.”

The members of both Diamonds and Encore are both appreciative of the new choir room. 2nd year Encore member Melody Suddeth said, “All I have to say is thank you for this incredible new room. I appreciate it just as much as the rest of the choirs do.”

On Friday, January 27th, sophomores from all across Walker County met together to expand and look into their career choices. Walker High School, Sumiton Christian, and all Walker County high schools participated. Students were allowed to pick their top two career choices in advance and were assigned a location based on what they picked. This is an incredible opportunity to look into the daily activities of certain careers. Upon return, several students were asked questions like, “Where was the location you were assigned?”, “What activities did you participate and watch?”, and “What was your overall experience like at Groundhog Job Shadow Day?”

When asked these questions, Brooke Elder stated:

“I went Brookwood Baptist Hospital in Jasper with my group. We talked with some of the people in charge and then split up into a smaller group. With my small group of girls, we went into the office where sonography takes place. Our leader explained the sonograms to us and told us what all types of schooling she had to do to be able to do this. Then we were led into the ICU wing where we saw patients with respiratory problems. Two nurses allowed us to watch blood be drawn and diffused. It was a very cool experience and I enjoyed it very much. I would like to do it again so I can experience more jobs that I may want to do in the future.”

Anna Lee Palmer, who also provided entertainment by singing on stage during lunch, said:

“I went to visit Bevill State’s music department. I learned more about songwriting, piano studies, choral singings and finding the harmonies to songs. My group and I got to listen to classical music and Bevill State’s choir sing “Hallelujah.” Mr. and Mrs. Stallsmith were both very nice and helpful! My whole group found out a lot about what being a music major is like. My experience went very well!”

Tyler Morrow said:

“I went to the WCCT today and learned about the Alabama Bass Trail. Our speaker, Mrs. Kay, told us many important things that go into one of their fishing tournaments. All in all my experience was amazing. I had a fantastic time with my job shadowing.”

Recalling his experience at the office, Zac Durham stated:

“I went to the Family Health Clinic. I talked about being a physician with Dr. Britt. We talked about how much he makes, how he liked his college classes, and why he chose to become a physician.”

A huge thanks to the WCCT, Mrs. Beth Kennedy and her staff, Bevill State, The Chamber of Commerce, all the schools’ Ambassadors, and administration for allowing us the chance to experience our future careers!

Walker hosted it’s semi-annual talent show on Friday, January 20. A special thanks to the National Honor Society for hosting and Walker Centerstage for running sound and lights! What a talented group of students here at Walker High School!